By-passed sergeants disgruntled

However, several of the sergeants who received letters last week that they were by-passed for elevation to the rank of inspector, are questioning the system used for promotion.

Some of the disgruntled sergeants claim that the new system used by the assessment committee overseeing promotions was biased.

They added that points for commendations and academic qualifications of officers should have been left out in assessing officers.

According to one disgruntled sergeant, commendations are based on favouritism and the academic qualification of some officers is irrelevant to police duties.

Officers claim that those police sergeants with degrees and certificates were given points ahead of them, but when it came to solving crime and actually working hard, they are the ones who have been doing the work.

"Some of those officers who now qualify for elevetaion to inspectors have been concentrating on their studies, instead of policing and they are the ones who have now benefited for promotion, instead of the hard working officers," said some sergeants yesterday.

The by-passed sergeants said that they intend to apply for all their leave and also pursue degrees or gain certificates, if this is the way to score points for promotion.

Newsday learned that the sergeant list has already been approved.

Police Commissioner Trevor Paul in a recent statement said that although promotions are based on seniority, he was in the process of making promotions more merit-based.

The promotions for constables to corporals will take place later this year.

It is expected that over 400 constables will be promoted.

The assessment committee is still reveiwing the files of constables eligible for promotion.

Yesterday, Secretary of the Police Second Division, Cpl Noel Chase said that while he is aware of the concerns of the sergeants, he feels that the system used was a fair one.